May 2012
BEN-E-LECT FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
The
Mentor
T
Connection
he BEN-E-LECT Foundation is thrilled to
announce the launch of our new mentor program.
Under the umbrella of the BEN-E-LECT Foundation the
mentor program will begin recruitment sessions to find
and educate potential mentors on the unmet need for
adult mentorship in our area. The mentor program will
serve as a bridge, connecting local organizations to the
good people of our community who are looking for a
way to help.
Our mentors will be able to choose the
organization they want to work with based on their
own personal interest and comfort level. We will also
take the opportunity to introduce our local partner
organizations like Sisterhood of Grace, Good News Jail
and Prison Ministry, and the Visalia Rescue Mission. Our variety of partner organizations will
ensure us the opportunity to tailor every match to
each individual mentor. We are so excited that we will
be able to help connect members of the community in
meaningful and mature friendships. Our thorough and
concise training will equip our mentors with the tools
and skills they need to begin a relationship with their
new mentee. However, the mentor will never have to
go it alone. Our mentor program staff will come along
side the mentor to offer an unparalleled level of support through every step of the mentoring process. We
hope that our new and innovative approach will aid us
in connecting potential to opportunity.
Page One
It has been the desire of the foundation to expand
into a multi-dimensional organization so that we may
reach more people. The mentor program was put into
motion because of our desire to take our work one step
further. In our successful experiences with our interns and
key employees we have often asked ourselves, “Did we
just get lucky in finding this person?” This led us to investigate how we could make these fortunate accidents into
successful connection on purpose. - Cont. on page 3
ben-e-lect Foundation
Connecting Potential to Opportunity
Visit us at
www.benelectfoundation.org
Please contact us at 559-302-2388
E-mail: [email protected]
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BEN-E-LECT FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
The Story of Mentor
There are many beliefs surrounding the earliest
documented stories regarding mentoring. One of the
most commonly told mentor stories is that of Odysseus in
Homer’s The Illiad and The Odyssey.
The story begins with the infamous king Agamemnon and his crusade to expand the Grecian empire.
Despite his efforts, the city of Troy remained in power
and out of reach behind their great stone walls. When
Agamemnon’s brother Menelaus learned that his wife
Helen had run away with Paris, a Trojan Prince, the ambitious conqueror leapt at the chance to finally seize Troy.
To wage this massive war Agamemnon called on
all the kings and lords he had conquered, ordering them
to bring their armies in the siege of Troy. One such king
was Odysseus of Ithaca. Odysseus knew that war with Troy
could have lethal consequences and with grave hesitation
he prepared his court for his immanent departure. Facing
an uncertain future, Odysseus entrusted his wise friend
Mentor with the well being of his newborn son and heir
Telemachus, his kingdom, and in turn his legacy. Mentor
accepted his role as surrogate father not knowing that the
war would last ten years and it would take another ten years for Odysseus to return to Ithaca.
Whenever this story is retold, by script or screen, the emphasis usually dwells on Odysseus and his men as they
sail back to Ithaca. However, while Odysseus and his men battled Poseidon and the elements, an equally important
battle was happening back in Ithaca. During Odysseus’s 20 year absence, Mentor shouldered the heavy responsibility of guiding and nurturing Telemachus into a future leader. During this time, insatiable suitors began to overrun the
palace proclaiming Odysseus dead and staking claim to the throne. Mentor guided Telemachus away from the temptation of a fight with the boorish and taunting palace intruders. Mentor encouraged his protégé to have faith in his
father’s return and taught him to prepare before he acted in haste. Mentor’s valuable counsel kept Telemachus safe
during his fatherless and tumultuous adolescence.
Mentor was so respected for his wisdom that Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom, disguised herself as
Mentor when she appeared before Telemachus and convinced him to go in search of Odysseus. When Odysseus
finally returned to Ithaca Telemachus was able to aid his father in the take down of the palace intruders. Mentor’s
prophetic guidance made Telemachus into an asset for his father and his kingdom. It is because of these stories that
the word “mentor” has been adapted into the English language to mean someone who shares their knowledge and
wisdom with someone of less experience.
Mentor’s stewardship was so inspirational that the actual definition of a mentor remains a description of his
character. It is an excellent reminder that our influence can reach beyond our daily interactions, especially when we
make a deliberate effort to have a positive affect on someone’s life. Wisdom is not acquired on accident and knowledge is not passed on without action. The story of Mentor may have originated in Greek mythology but its integrity is
a timeless and universal example on the power of a true mentor.
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BEN-E-LECT FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
“Drift Away”
Cont. from Pg 1-We have learned that it takes a team effort to make
this kind of impact. We realized that while our interns needed vocational training, they were also in desperate need of a devoted
mentor to come along side them. In a similar way, local charities
are making great strides in helping people face their struggle and
addictions but their participants are in need of a caring steward. The
mentor program was created to fulfill this need by training mentors
for purposeful friendships with a mentee from a partner organization who is in need of emotional support.
The mentor program wants to be a resource for our partner
organizations and their participants so that they may take the next
step in a true life revival. Many adults don’t have someone they can
trust for advice or who is willing to give them a second chance. It is
vital in a mentee’s progress that they have someone in their life that
can see them for their potential and not their past. Mentors will act
as a trusted co-pilot as the mentee begins to navigate the next chapter of their life.
Through our valuable partnerships we will extend our reach
in the community and create a new avenue of opportunity for those
who need help and those who are equipped to help. We are ecstatic
about the new services and training that will soon be available to
potential partner organizations, mentors, and mentees. It is our
fervent desire to help our neighbors better their lives by connecting
people with potential …on purpose.
Page Three
Day after day I’m more confused;
I look for the light in the pouring rain.
You know that’s a game I hate to lose.
I’m feelin the strain; aint it a shame?
Oh, give me the beat, boys, to
soothe my soul; I wanna get lost in your
rock and roll and drift away.
Beginning to think that I’m wastin’
time;don’t understand the things that
I do. ‘Cause the world outside looks so
unkind. Now I’m countin’ on you to carry
me through.
Oh, give me the beat, boys, to
soothe my soul; I wanna get lost in your
rock and roll and drift away.
And when my mind is free no melody can
move me. When I’m feelin’ blue guitars
are comin’ through to soothe me.
And thanks for the joy that you’ve
given me; I want you to know I believe
in your song, and rythm and rhyme and
harmony. You help me along, makin’ me
strong.
Oh, give me the beat, boys, to
soothe my soul; I wanna get lost in your
rock and roll and drift away.
Won’t ya help me,
Won’t ya help me,
Won’t ya help me
Drift away.
~Lyrics by
Mentor Williams
BEN-E-LECT FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
Invest
ben-e-lect FOUNDATION
Connecting Potential to Opportunity
in the
Foundation
DONOR INFORMATION
Name Business Name (If Applicable) Street Address OUR MISSION
To serve as a catalyst for under-mentored young adults,
helping them realize their full potential by equipping
them with the tools they need to build a future filled with
purpose and fulfillment.
City State Zip Preferred Phone Email AMOUNT OF DONATION (Please Check One)
OUR PROGRAM
Working in close collaboration
with the foundation, local
community leaders lend a
helping hand to program
participants by providing
advice, guidance, and support
which promote their personal
development,
build their sense of accomplishment and competence,
and nurture their overall
well-being.
q Chairman Level - $1,000.00 q President Level - $500.00 q Leader Level - $250.00 q Mentor Level - $100.00
OUR FOUNDERS
SUBMIT DONATION BY CHECK
new in
The foundation was formed by
the leaders of BEN-E-LECT,
an employer-driven® health benefit company headquartered in Visalia, CA. BEN-E-LECT is one of the
country’s leading third party administrators of high
deductible employer-driven® medical, dental, and vision
plans.
hole-in-ones!
OUR FUNDING
The foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit
charitable organization, officially qualified to receive
tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers, and gifts. It
is funded primarily through the generous contributions
of businesses and individuals along with grants from
charitable organizations.
5429 Avenida de los Robles, Suite A
Visalia, CA 93291
Phone: (559) 733-1240
Fax: (559) 733-2325
Web: www.benelectfoundation.org
Email: [email protected]
q Role Model Level -$50.00
q Helping Hand Level - $25.00
q Other - $
FREQUENCY OF DONATION (Please Check One)
q Monthly
q Quarterly
q One Time Only
q Semi-Annually
q Annually
Enclosed is my check in the amount of $ (Please may checks payable to the “BEN-E-LECT FOUNDATION”)
SUBMIT DONATION BY CREDIT CARD
q Visa
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Card Number Name on Card Expiration Date CSC Number The 3 or 4-digit CSC appears on the back of the credit card.
Signature Date Submit your donation to the Foundation office.
All donations are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt.
Thank you for your continued support!
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